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Future AirPods could use IR cameras for in-air gesture control

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AirPods Pro in an open case ... an early Black Friday deal drops price
The IR cameras can help improve the spatial computing experience.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple could equip a future AirPods variant with camera modules. The earbuds may incorporate an IR camera, like the one Apple uses for iPhone’s Face ID.

This will apparently help the AirPods Pro to better integrate with the Vision Pro and improve the spatial computing experience.

Vision Pro might not get Apple Intelligence until 2025

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Vision Pro on display at an Apple retail store.
Apple Intelligence could take a while to come to the Vision Pro.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple will reportedly bring Apple Intelligence to the Vision Pro. The AI-powered features will not arrive alongside iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, but will eventually come to Apple’s AR/VR headset.

Many Apple Intelligence features would greatly benefit visionOS and help speed up its existing workflows.

Stop cursing at PDFs with this hot deal on PDF Reader Pro for Mac

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This PDF Reader Pro for Mac is just $29.97 through 10/15.
Need a top-notch PDF editor for Mac? Get PDF Reader Pro and you can easily sign PDFs, edit text, swap out images and more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

PDFs have become the standard for document sharing and archiving, but the file format is notoriously difficult to work with and manipulate. However, there is a way around that problem, thanks to purpose-built PDF editors like PDF Reader Pro for Mac.

For a limited time, this highly rated PDF editor for Mac is on sale for just $29.97 (regularly $59).

All the new comedies and dramas on Apple TV+ in summer 2024

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Apple TV+ series coming summer 2024
Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal and Vince Vaughn all headline series on Apple TV+ in summer 2024.
Photo: Apple TV+/Cult of Mac

Apple TV+ subscribers are getting new comedies and thrillers to enjoy in summer 2024. And there are plenty of big-name stars, too. Eight new shows debuted between the beginning of June and the end of August (and a film to boot).

Here’s what’s new on Apple’s streaming service or coming in the next two months.

What’s next for Apple Watch, AirPods Pro and Vision headset [The CultCast]

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A photo of Apple Watch with the words
Sounds like this year's Apple Watch might bring the biggest screen ever.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We’re excited about a bigger Apple Watch screen, dubious about a cheaper Vision headset tethered to an iPhone or Mac, and excited about new features coming soon to AirPods Pro.

Also on The CultCast:

  • The latest iOS 18 beta brings a few new features, including a couple we haven’t talked much about.
  • iPhone repairs are about to get a little more user-friendly.
  • Sorry, EU. No Apple Intelligence for you! Is Apple actually scared to deploy its AI suite to Europe, or is Tim Cook playing chicken with EU regulators?

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

The 8 weirdest unreleased Apple products

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8 Craziest Apple Prototypes
These unfinished concepts go back 40 years.
Image: Apple/Jim Abeles/Canoo/DongleBookPro/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple only shows off its finished products, which makes the company’s secret prototypes and early concepts all the more fascinating. Details of these first-draft designs usually don’t come out until years after Apple dreams them up and discards them. Even if you’re well-versed in Apple history, these alternate-history unreleased Apple products will intrigue and confuse.

The wild and crazy ideas go back more than 40 years. If anything, it proves that Apple continuously skates toward the next hit. The quest for innovation continues, no matter whether the company is in dire straits or cruising on success. Keep reading or watch our video to see the wildest Apple products that might have been.

Telepathic teen braves Earth’s alien surface in WondLa [Out now on Apple TV+]

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WondLa: Eva and Rovender on Apple TV+
Eva and Rovender are main characters in WondLa on Apple TV+
Photo: Apple TV+

Given all the doomsday bunker TV shows in recent years — Silo, Fallout, The Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt, Doomsday Bunkers — you knew an animated version for kids and families would come along eventually. And it has. In the WondLa, a teen born and living underground is forced to a surface of Earth populated by aliens and covered in otherworldy plants and animals.

So what happened to all the humans?

Update: The ambitious animated adventure series is now on Apple TV+. All seven episodes of the first season are available to stream immediately.

Want to save big bucks on great desktop speakers? Try these. [Setups]

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Edifier R1280T powered speakers setup
Edifier makes high-quality audio products for mid-range budgets.
Photo: [email protected]

Looks like today’s computer setup user spent bigger bucks on an M2 MacBook Pro and an epic ultra-wide curved display, and smaller bucks on a good sound system. That’s smart, because you can get high-quality near-field-monitor speakers for your desktop without spending a mint — if you go with something like this user’s Edifier R1280T speakers.

These kickstand iPhone cases meet all kinds of needs

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Torras Ostand R series iPhone cases
The "R" in R series stands for "rotatable" kickstands.
Photo: Torras

When it comes to protecting your iPhone and keeping it secure, not all kickstand cases are created equal. Torras’ Ostand iPhone 15 cases — the R series and the Spin series — deliver military-grade drop protection. And their rugged and rigorously tested kickstands will hold your iPhone in place, even under adverse conditions.

The strong magnets in these slim cases ensure reliable MagSafe charging, and their sturdy kickstands put your iPhone right where you want it. Each model delivers something different, but they all provide great protection, a powerful magnetic hold and some of the toughest and most versatile iPhone kickstands in the business.

EU slams decision not to deploy Apple Intelligence in Europe

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European Union's commissioner for competition Margrethe Vestager and Apple CEO Tim Cook.
European Union's commissioner for competition Margrethe Vestager met with Apple CEO Tim Cook in early 2024.
Photo: Margrethe Vestager

Margrethe Vestager, the European Union’s commissioner for competition, said Thursday that Apple’s decision to not offer its artificial intelligence upgrades for iPhone and Mac in the European Union is an admission that the company knows the features are anticompetitive.

In contrast, Apple says interoperability requirements in EU law would make the AI features a risk to user privacy.

Vision Pro arrives in Asia; preorders start in Europe, elsewhere

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Vision Pro arrives in Asia
People in select countries in Asia can get Vision Pro today.
Photo: Apple

Vision Pro launched in Apple Stores in China, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore on Friday. It’s the first time the AR headset has been officially available outside the United States since it debuted in February.

In addition, the product went up for preorder in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the U.K. on Friday. Delivery will come in July.

Apple’s new tech could make iPhone battery replacement easier

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iOS update does not deliver promised iPhone battery improvement
A new tech from Apple could make iPhone battery replacement easier.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple could use electrically induced adhesive debonding to make battery removal easier on future iPhones. The company reportedly might use this technology in at least one iPhone 16 model this year.

The move could help Apple make iPhones more repair-friendly — and help Apple comply with upcoming EU laws.

How to leave a FaceTime voicemail

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FaceTime Voicemail
More like “videomail” or “videomessage.”
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

You can send a FaceTime voicemail to someone if they don’t answer when you need to video chat. It’s better than leaving a regular voicemail because it’s video — you can relay a message quickly or show something off on camera.

For instance, if your dog or your human child is doing something cute, or if you want to get a second opinion on an outfit, you might want to show someone. If they don’t answer your FaceTime call, you can record a video to send them to watch later.

Here’s how FaceTime voicemail works.

How to find the iPad Magic Keyboard’s hidden backlight

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How to find the iPad Magic Keyboard's hidden backlight
The control for the iPad Magic Keyboard's backlight isn't where you might think it is.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Some people complain that the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad lacks a backlight for the keys. Turns out the accessory really has one but the controls aren’t where you might expect.

Here’s how to find the control for the Magic Keyboard in the Control Center. And how to adjust the backlight, too.

Slow Horses season 4 brings Spook Street to life

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Slow Horses season 4
Here's your first look at "Slow Horses" season 4. Once again, somebody deserves an award for giving Gary Oldman the Jackson Lamb look (you know, makeup that suggests decades of booze, smokes, greasy food and stress).
Photo: Apple TV+

Here’s your eagerly awaited dead drop, Slow Horses fans: The fourth season of the BAFTA Award-winning espionage series returns to Apple TV+ on September 4, according to the “first look” the streamer gave Thursday. That’s the image above. And once again, some makeup artist deserves major awards for making Gary Oldman look like sagging spymaster Jackson Lamb, poster boy for decades of booze, smokes, greasy food, stress and betrayal.

Apple helps 50 students pursue creative careers in music

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Apple creative arts program
Students in the Propel Center Arts & Entertainment Industry Accelerator program tour Apple Music's Nashville studios.
Photo: Apple

Dozens of students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) participated in a two-week creative arts program funded by Apple’s Racial Equality and Justice Initiative, the iPhone giant said Thursday.

Apple’s Propel Center and Apple Music’s Nashville office worked with two universities on the program. It aims to help students pursue creative and executive careers in the arts, particularly music.

Get a speedy new MacBook every 2 years with Upgraded subscription

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The MacBook Upgrade Program from Upgraded.
It's easy to sign up and get started.
Photo: Upgraded

A fresh approach to owning a MacBook is here. With Upgraded’s subscription service, you can enjoy the latest MacBook every two years without the hefty upfront cost.

Starting at just $36.06 per month for a MacBook Air and $52.17 for a MacBook Pro with AppleCare+ included, this service keeps you updated with the newest models seamlessly. Interest rates start at 0% and vary based on your credit score. You can check out all available models at getupgraded.com.

Dark Matter season 2 is possible

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'Dark Matter' is a multiverse mystery on Apple TV+
The writer and one of the stars of "Dark Matter" seem interested in making season 2.
Photo: Apple TV+

Blake Crouch, who wrote the bestselling novel Dark Matter that was adapted into a hit Apple TV+ series, said this week he’s open to the idea of making season 2.

The sci-fi thriller’s season one finale premiered Wednesday.

Budget flash drive sports USB-C and USB-A connectors [Review] ★★★★☆

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UGR Tech Dual USB-C + USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive review★★★★☆
UGR Tech Dual USB-C + USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive is better than you might think.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

UGR Tech Dual USB-C + USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive plugs into your new Mac or iPad but it can also be used with devices that still have an old full-size USB port.

It’s a low-cost flash drive so I was very suspicious. But the aluminum exterior is quite rugged, the design is clever and the accessory passed a fraud test.

You can wear these waterproof swim headphones in the pool

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Swim with these headphones on, now just $64.
Splish splash! These bone-conduction headphones work in the water.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you like swimming — and you like listening to music, podcasts or training materials while you’re in the water — you need a solid pair of swim headphones. Swym bone-conduction headphones cling to the outside of your ear and play audio using vibrations through the bones in your ear.

And just in time for summer, you can snag a set of these IP68-rated waterproof swimming headphones for just $63.99 with coupon code SWYM15.

Download hundreds of images and GIFs at once with this app for Mac or PC

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Download images and GIFs in bulk with this $30 app for your Mac.
Download bulk images from Pinterest, Instagram and more with this $30 app.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Before you start right-clicking up a storm to save multiple images from a website, try Imaget. This bulk image downloader works on Mac and Windows, and you can use it to grab multiple pix from Instagram, Pinterest and more.

The first step is to get a lifetime subscription to Imaget for just $29.95 (regularly $99). It’s good for up to five devices.

Free ChatGPT Mac app brings AI to your desktop now [Awesome Apps]

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OpenAI logo on a screen
OpenAI introduces a native ChatGPT app for Mac, and it's free for all users.
Photo: Unsplash
Awesome Apps

OpenAI made the native ChatGPT Mac app available for all users Wednesday. It gives Mac users easy access to the artificial intelligence capabilities of the cutting-edge chatbot, as well as features not available with the web interface.

The free macOS app is “designed to integrate seamlessly into anything you’re doing on your computer,” according to OpenAI.